We have so far screened over 20,000 children and treated over 700 of them. It has been tremendously gratifying to see the dramatic changes that treatment has brought about in the lives of these children. Simultaneously, the scientific data gathered have begun challenging some long-held dogmas in neuroscience about learning and brain plasticity. Coverage of this work in the popular press has raised awareness about the problem of childhood blindness amongst the public at large and also governmental policy makers.

The magnitude of the problem of childhood disabilities in India is daunting, and the challenge of unraveling brain mechanisms of learning is amongst the hardest in science. But, we are encouraged that Project Prakash has begun to serve as a nucleus for bringing together the resources, expertise and commitment needed to mount appropriate responses. With Project Prakash, we have a unique and unprecedented opportunity to address issues of great humanitarian, health, and scientific significance. The Project, we hope, will continue to prove true to its name, and shed light on all of these different issues.